The White Ribbon Project: Redefining Lung Cancer Awareness

Uniting advocates, survivors, and communities to fight lung cancer stigma, increase awareness, and promote early detection.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Uniting advocates, survivors, and communities to fight lung cancer stigma, increase awareness, and promote early detection.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet those coping with the condition continue to confront profound stigma and long-standing misconceptions. The White Ribbon Project is a groundbreaking grassroots movement and nonprofit organization, galvanized to dismantle stigma, foster supportive communities, and advance research and early detection for everyone affected by lung cancer. This article uncovers the origins, mission, and far-reaching impact of the White Ribbon Project—and how anyone can become part of the movement for change.

Understanding the Stigma Surrounding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is all too often associated exclusively with smoking. While public health campaigns have successfully highlighted smoking risks, they have also inadvertently fueled a belief that those diagnosed are at fault for their illness. This stigma can:

Discourage individuals from seeking medical attention or timely treatment
Limit their support networks due to misplaced judgment
Reduce empathy for patients and caregivers, even among healthcare professionals
Negatively impact funding, research priorities, and advocacy efforts for lung cancer compared to other cancers

These misconceptions persist despite the fact that anyone can develop lung cancer, regardless of smoking history. Understanding and challenging these myths is central to the mission of the White Ribbon Project.

How the White Ribbon Project Began

The seeds of the White Ribbon Project were sown by Heidi Nafman-Onda, a lifelong health advocate and fitness trainer, and her husband, Pierre Onda, a primary care physician. In October 2018, Heidi received a shocking diagnosis: stage 3 lung cancer, discovered incidentally and despite her healthy lifestyle.

At the time, Heidi and Pierre found scant resources and little community support for those facing lung cancer. Their experience of isolation and silence, exacerbated by the stigma surrounding the disease, ignited their determination to foster connection and advocacy.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare and support communities, Heidi and Pierre began coordinating with patients and caregivers nationwide, virtually strategizing ways to amplify Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November 2020. What began as a local idea soon sprawled into a global movement.

The First White Ribbon

The couple handcrafted a white wooden ribbon—a bold, visible symbol—and displayed it on their front door. This symbolic act resonated instantly: within days, requests for ribbons poured in from cancer survivors and advocates seeking similar symbols of solidarity. As the ribbons multiplied and spread, so too did an empowered community dedicated to openness, advocacy, and tangible support.

Growth and Momentum

Within six months of the project’s formal launch in 2020, more than 1,000 white ribbons had been made and distributed globally. The movement continued to gain traction, with recipients constructing and sharing new ribbons with others, cultivating a growing network of survivors, families, advocates, and healthcare professionals.

The White Ribbon Symbol: More Than Awareness

The white ribbon has become the emblem of the lung cancer community, featured on doors, clinics, hospitals, and social media. But its meaning runs deeper than mere awareness:

Visibility: It signals inclusion, empathy, and a refusal to let lung cancer remain invisible or stigmatized.
Support: Every ribbon represents a pledge of support for those affected, from newly diagnosed patients to caregivers and beloved survivors.
Conversation Starter: The physical presence and stories attached to each ribbon invite questions, open dialogue, and drive broader understanding of the realities of lung cancer.
Empowerment through Action: Recipients are encouraged to make and share new ribbons, amplifying collective action and community building.

A Mission to Rewrite the Lung Cancer Narrative

At the heart of the White Ribbon Project lies an unyielding mission to change public perception and promote honest, compassionate discourse around lung cancer. The core components of their advocacy include:

Education: Highlight that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer—not just those with a smoking history.
Early Detection and Screening: Encourage screenings, especially for high-risk populations, to catch lung cancer when it is most treatable.
Stigma Reduction: Challenge and dismantle personal blame, replacing it with empathy and understanding.
Community Engagement: Create forums, support groups, and partnerships to provide resources and shared strength.
Increased Funding and Research: Advocate for more robust lung cancer research and equitable allocation of funding.

Shifting the Message

Public health efforts rightfully warn against the dangers of smoking, but the White Ribbon Project emphasizes that these messages should not translate into judgment or reduced support for those living with lung cancer. Instead, they urge a new narrative:

Recognize that nobody deserves lung cancer.
Admit that much remains unknown about the causes and risks, and anyone can be affected.
Prioritize early detection and a culture of supportive caregiving.

Advocacy, Research, and Breaking Down Barriers

Advocacy is a cornerstone of the White Ribbon Project’s efforts. Through:

Sharing stories—personal experiences of patients, families, and care teams across digital and in-person platforms
Public events—hosting workshops, walks, and awareness drives
Partnerships—collaborating with cancer centers, researchers, and other advocacy groups
Education campaigns—disseminating information about lung cancer, screening, prevention, and treatment options

The project seeks not only to raise awareness but also to demand progress in research. They strategically lobby for:

Equitable funding for lung cancer research relative to other forms of cancer
Accelerated development of diagnostic tools and therapies
Wider access to screening, especially among populations at higher risk or with limited resources

The Power of Community and Support

Historically, people diagnosed with lung cancer have faced not just medical challenges but isolation, shame, and a lack of dedicated support. The White Ribbon Project strives to:

Bring together survivors, caregivers, and family members to share expertise, hope, and practical advice
Empower local ambassadors—volunteers who lead awareness and ribbon-making projects in their regions
Connect stakeholders—patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates—in a joint effort to tackle stigma and promote best clinical practice

Building Lasting Change

By distributing physical ribbons and fostering digital communities, the project has helped thousands break out of isolation, share their voice, and assert their place in the conversation around cancer care.

How to Get Involved

The White Ribbon Project is open to all who want to support the cause, regardless of personal experience with lung cancer. Here’s how you can participate:

Request a Ribbon: Order a handcrafted white ribbon to display on your door, workplace, or public venue
Make and Share Ribbons: Host or join local ribbon-making workshops; inspire others to do the same
Join Advocacy Efforts: Engage in local, national, or international campaigns; contact authorities to amplify the call for research and support
Support Fundraising: Donate or organize fundraising events to support research, awareness, and education initiatives
Share Your Story: Contribute your experience via the project’s website or at community meetings—every story counts
Attend or Volunteer at Events: Help organize awareness walks, educational sessions, or join virtual meetups

Lung Cancer Screening: Prevention and Early Detection

Early detection remains critical in improving lung cancer outcomes. Despite advances in medical imaging, screening rates for lung cancer remain low—one of the barriers the White Ribbon Project seeks to address.

Who Should Get Screened?

Age: 50 to 80 years old
Smoking History: 20 pack-years or more (e.g., one pack per day for 20 years)
Current or Former Smokers: Individuals who still smoke or who have quit within the last 15 years

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans are typically recommended for eligible high-risk adults. The scan is non-invasive, quick (approximately 20 minutes), and highly effective at detecting early lung cancer changes—when treatment is most likely to be successful.

Addressing Barriers

Combating lack of awareness among patients and clinicians
Improving accessibility of CT scanning technology, especially in rural and under-resourced areas
Encouraging healthcare providers to discuss risk, screening options, and next steps with all at-risk individuals

The White Ribbon Project’s Broader Impact

Since its inception, the White Ribbon Project has grown into a global community:

Distributed thousands of handcrafted white ribbons worldwide, including to major cancer centers
Supported by healthcare professionals, research institutions, and advocacy networks
Featured in media campaigns, social media platforms, conferences, and workshops
Partnered with academic, clinical, and nonprofit organizations to amplify its reach
Promoted inclusive messaging: anyone, regardless of smoking history, deserves support, dignity, and access to care

Advocates note that increased screening and lower smoking rates have contributed to recent declines in lung cancer incidence; yet, ongoing stigma and gaps in support demand continued vigilance and advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the White Ribbon Project?

A: The White Ribbon Project’s core mission is to challenge lung cancer stigma, increase awareness, and promote early detection and support for all those affected by lung cancer.

Q: Who founded the White Ribbon Project?

A: The project was founded by Heidi Nafman-Onda, a lung cancer survivor and health educator, and her husband Pierre Onda, a retired physician.

Q: Who can be affected by lung cancer?

A: Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, regardless of age, gender, or smoking history. While smoking remains a risk factor, it is not the only cause.

Q: How can I get involved with the White Ribbon Project?

A: You can get involved by requesting or making a white ribbon, sharing your story, raising funds, joining advocacy efforts, or participating in awareness events. Visit the Project’s website or social channels for more details.

Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of lung cancer?

A: The best evidence-based steps include avoiding tobacco smoke, minimizing exposure to carcinogens, considering available screening if you are at high risk, and discussing any symptoms or concerns with your healthcare provider.

Additional Resources

White Ribbon Project Official Website: Information on projects, events, and advocacy opportunities
American Lung Association: Data, resources, and support for lung cancer patients and families
Local cancer support groups and networks
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): Guidelines for lung cancer screening and management

Key Takeaways

The White Ribbon Project is changing the landscape for lung cancer advocacy by centering support, inclusion, and action.
The white ribbon is an enduring symbol of unity and compassion, reminding us that stigma has no place in cancer care.
Everybody can play a role in spreading awareness, supporting early detection, and advocating for research and empathy for all affected by lung cancer.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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